Bubba Wallace on what Michael Jordan means to his NASCAR career, return to Talladega

Bubba Wallace is returning to Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, the track where the driver of the No. 23 Toyota for Michael Jordan‘s 23XI Racing captured his first NASCAR Cup Series victory last fall. The site of Sunday’s race brings back a bevy of emotions for Wallace, as it changed the course of his racing career forever.

Since Wallace became an outspoken figure who dominated headlines across the sports world during the 2020 NASCAR season, he’s become a polarizing athlete. Other drivers and a large majority of fans have revered Wallace, while some have vilified him. Nevertheless, the 28-year old driver has stood firm through it all as he enters his second season driving for Jordan.

It’s the opportunity of a lifetime for Wallace, and the wheel-man knows it. In an appearance on Sportscenter in advance on Sunday’s contest, the Mobile, Alabama native spoke about Jordan, and the opportunity to drive for one of the greatest athletes of all time.

“It’s meant a lot,” Wallace responded, when asked what Jordan’s involvement in the driver’s career has meant to him. “Every time your phone lights up and there’s a text from MJ, it’s super special. And knowing that he’s paying attention, and wants us to win. He’s invested. He knows, and understands the sport, and where we’re at. Where our high spots are, where our low points are, and how to get better. So, he has his people that are definitely pushing the envelope to make sure that we are executing at all levels. You know, dotting out I’s and crossing our T’s. So, it’s fun to have him at the race track. I’m not sure if he’s here today or not, but he’s an avid race fan, and he wants to win.

“So, I think that’s a perfect combination. For me, to be on his team, and to represent the No. 23.”

Continuing, the relationship between Wallace and Jordan is one of the most interesting in all the sport. Every time he climbs into his 23XI Racing Toyota, Wallace knows how special it is.

“I think you just look at all he has touched and accomplished in life, and how he’s basically turned everything into gold,” stated Wallace. “Knowing that if I do my job, I can lay my head down at night after every race and say that I did the best that I could do. Sometimes it’s good enough, sometimes it’s not. Knowing that he has my back, and supports me. But also his questioning on some things that maybe I didn’t do right. So, understanding that, understanding his mindset, and knowing how to be better. It’ll only make me better as a person and as an athlete. I appreciate him for that.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I can’t let slip up, I just got to keep going and give it my all. These speedway races are playing out well for us, so just got to keep it going. Make him proud.”

Bubba Wallace will be looking to make Michael Jordan proud when the green flag waves on Sunday, attempting to win back-to-back race at Talladega Superspeedway.